Time. It’s one word that surrounds the experience of coffee for me. Whether it’s the attention to the timer as you attempt the perfect pour over, the season and time of year of a particular variety you like, or the context in which you drink a thoughtfully made cup. For me, the latter runs the deepest stream of thought and connection. Coffee has the power to offer up and backdrop the most rare, unforgettable, and profound moments of our lives. When I was presented the opportunity to curate a label for Jeff, my mind immediately went looking for rare moments I’ve enjoyed recently. Having lived in the San Clemente area for the past 10 years I’ve deeply enjoyed the energy of the ocean on one side and the rolling hidden hills on the other. During the superbloom in 2019, the hills came alive with wild daisies, mustard, rattlesnakes, sweet pea flowers and more. With 3 kids in tow, we ventured into the hills, mustard 4 ft over head, walking the paths like caverns carved in the wild brush into an experience we’d look back on with joy and meaning.

I’m excited to pair a photo of that rare journey with this incredible coffee. In hopes, that when you brew it, drink it, or gift it to a friend, it becomes a vessel for a rare moment. A special place saved in time. I’d encourage you as you drink it to think of the hands that harvested the cherries, labored in the african sun, and graciously shipped the work of their spirit and soul to this bag before you. Their provision is our reward, and it’s worth making and  sharing a memory with a cup of this coffee in hand.

When I first cupped this coffee amidst a premium selection of others, the notes of cranberry, melon, hazelnut and blackberry made for a complex, balanced, and delicious cup. We won’t all taste the same things, but don’t be afraid to turn down the volume in your life, close your eyes, and hope for the unexpected.

Andy Lara

Follow Andy at @andylikeswords  and learn more about the artist at www.andylikeswords.com